Republican City Committee Calls Out Governor Shapiro for Budget and SEPTA Stalemate

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Republican City Committee Calls Out Governor Shapiro for Budget and SEPTA Stalemate

PHILADELPHIA – The Republican City Committee of Philadelphia today criticized Governor Shapiro for what it described as a political blame game over the state budget and critical SEPTA funding. The committee's statement was a direct response to recent comments from Governor Shapiro that attempted to pin the budget deadlock on Senate Republicans, particularly Northeast Philadelphia Senator Joe Picozzi.

"Governor Shapiro is playing politics with serious issues instead of seeking a compromise that benefits Pennsylvania taxpayers and Philadelphians," said a spokesperson for the Republican City Committee.

The statement defended Senator Picozzi's actions, stating, "Senator Picozzi was elected to rein in out-of-control government spending, and that is exactly what he is doing. He is applying common sense to oppose the Governor’s massive spending wish list, which would deplete the state’s rainy-day fund and lead to huge tax increases for working families and seniors in the coming years."

The committee also highlighted the Governor's alleged lack of engagement. "Perhaps if the Governor had not been absent from budget negotiations over the past several months, he would be aware of what is happening," the spokesperson continued.

"This includes the situation with SEPTA, where Senator Picozzi has been a vocal and consistent leader in the fight for needed funding—a fact that has been reported by local news outlets on numerous occasions.”

"Playing politics on the budget and SEPTA, and failing to actually lead, are all the Governor has done in this process. Taxpayers should be wary of anything he says today.“